Response
The article gave the reader a lot to think about and almost created a dispute within one’s own mind about Sheptock and what he was doing. As an advocate, Sheptock continues to be active but he can only do so much through the internet and social media. Multiple instances throughout the article, it is shown that Sheptock’s message isn’t getting across as well as he wants, such as the lack of Facebook comments or the administrator just putting his e-mails into the spam folder. He says that he would not take a job or buy a home if it hindered his advocacy, but if he is not getting across to people as he thought he would, when is it time to move on and better his current situation?
Analysis
Homelessness draws a lot of emotion for communities, mostly for varying reasons. Some have empathy for those who have hit hard times and others argue that fact and imply that they put themselves in that situation. Eric Sheptock draws neither of those emotions from the reader through this article. Sheptock takes his current situation and uses his platform to bring light to homelessness. His purpose is to make a difference within his community, and so far he has certainly made a name for himself. A hint of pride fills the reader, as even with his lowly place in society, he is determined to make a difference. “I’m a homeless homeless advocate”, a title he carries with pride.